After beginning the Boca Helping Hands Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) Program in October 2021, Silvana F. was determined to pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam despite facing some roadblocks along the way.
Originally from Lima, Peru, Silvana F. moved to South Florida in 2001 in search of opportunities unavailable at home. After receiving her GED and working in office administration for several years, Silvana recognized her strong computer and customer service skills could lead to a more lucrative career.
Shortly after Silvana began the fast-paced nine-month MBC course, her husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer. She did her best to balance a full-time job, night classes, caring for her husband, and raising their teenage son. By April, she completed the coursework and received an impressive 85% and 96% on her final exams.
Despite successful completion of the course, Silvana did not pass her first two CPC exam attempts in August and November 2022.“The exam was very difficult, and my language barrier made it harder to finish in time,” Silvana said. In December, Silvana attempted the exam again but was just three points shy of passing.
Determined to try again, she worked with BHH to purchase the new coding books for 2023 and took advantage of grant funding secured by BHH to cover the cost of two new exam attempts, though her husband’s condition delayed her from re-attempting right away. Unfortunately, she failed once again in October – this time by only 1 point.
Silvana scheduled to retake the exam in December. Along with devoting several additional hours to studying on her own time, Silvana utilized all available resources offered through BHH. BHH Board member and Volunteer Community Liaison Dr. Sarah Lochner worked with her to improve her speed and maximize time to confidently complete the test. Silvana’s MBC instructor also provided her with additional study material on more complicated topics like anatomy, spinal fusion, and MBC cardiology to help her prepare.
In December, Silvana took the exam at BHH’s newly certified testing center - and passed with a 91%. “I was not going to give up on this dream,” she said. Silvana is now working with a BHH Job Mentor to refresh her resume and search for job opportunities. She is thrilled to have achieved her certification, knowing that it will put her in a position to obtain a job making ~$60,000/year and with more flexibility – a life-changing opportunity to improve her family’s financial position.
